When the Dolphins selected defensive ends Phillip Merling and Kendall Langford 32nd and 66th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft, they hoped each would be long-term above-average starters. Langford has become a solid contributor, and the Dolphins hope he will make the jump to very good.

But Merling hasn't risen beyond a backup, and now first-round pick Jared Odrick is trying to keep him one. After his dismissal, former defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni put it simply: ``Merling has got to become more consistent.''

Merling, with the first team opposite Langford in practice last week, agreed. ``This is a big year for me,'' he said. ``I was not pleased with last year, not even a little bit. I feel like I'm a rookie this year, trying to prove myself. It's time for me to start contributing like coaches want me to. My coaches and teammates want me to get better, and I don't want to let them down.'' Merling said Odrick's arrival is pushing him: ``He's smart, quick, and he's going to be a great player.''

The Dolphins believe Merling can become a good pass rusher, but more is needed. Merling -- whose 376 snaps last year were 205 fewer than Langford's -- had 2 ½ sacks in 2009, after just one as a rookie, and just six quarterback pressures.

ESPN's K.C. Joyner, who studies every NFL play, said Merling was at the point of attack on 59 running plays in '09 and won only four. That 6.8 win percentage ``is unacceptable,'' Joyner said

his been a disappointment for me! a 2nd rnd /last pick in rnd1 u expect a bit more than what he has delivered so far

i cant see him beating out odrich at right def end , heard some where that merling is not great at the offseason /training stuffso if so i cant see how he can beat him out big season for him and if he dont deliver he could be on the trade block at end of season?for me iam not sure he actually suits our 3-4 def ,imo he suits a 4-3 def end team

Tue May 25, 2010 2:03 am

hypocritex

Phinfever Hall of Famer

Joined: Wed Jan 13, 2010 3:42 pmPosts: 965

Re: Miami Dolphins' Merling out to prove himself

Always wondered what a slimmed Merling would look like at SOLB.

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Tue May 25, 2010 10:46 am

Phins Rock

Phinfever Global Moderator

Joined: Tue Jan 12, 2010 11:28 amPosts: 7532Location: Massachusetts

Re: Miami Dolphins' Merling out to prove himself

I've been saying this for a while. I think Merling has a break out season in 2010.

Tue May 25, 2010 3:23 pm

Iowafin

Phinfever Legend

Joined: Thu Jan 14, 2010 2:55 pmPosts: 5439

Re: Miami Dolphins' Merling out to prove himself

If Miami played a 4-3...they'd have a stellar front 7.

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Tue May 25, 2010 3:43 pm

eleaf

Phinfever Legend

Joined: Wed Jan 13, 2010 1:49 amPosts: 4144Location: The Bluegrass

Re: Miami Dolphins' Merling out to prove himself

hypocritex wrote:

Always wondered what a slimmed Merling would look like at SOLB.

Like crap.

_________________A good RB is nice, a good QB even better, but it's best to be able to stop someone first.